Ok having (mostly) finished the House and wood shop (well sort of) I am now at the point that I need to start back into this great hobby, so as I used to pick up most of my Wood in Houghton Lake area (my shop was up north) but I now have a shop in South Lyon Mi, (at the new house) I am looking for good places to pick up wood.
I tend to use mostly Cherry, clear pine, and Oak, (but I do want to move on to other woods) So any suggestions?
My Father will be going Up north to visit Friends and stoping in an picking up a good amount of Wood is an option at that point but if I need a small amount of wood for a project It seams nuts in the day of $3 a gal. gas to drive 160 miles (each way) to get wood.
So suggestions?
Doug Meyer
Replies
B & B Heartwoods, Inc., 5444 Whitmore Lake road, Ann Arbor, MI. 48105
phone 734-332-9525
http://www.bandbheartwoods.com
Bill and Bonnie. Nice people and any kind of hardwood you could want.
David Turner
Plymouth, MI.
B&B is just up the road from me on Whitmore Lake Rd. While I shop there some times, their selection is often limited. By far the best, most complete selection is at Armstrong Mills, 3039 W. Highland Ave.(also known as M-59), Higland Mi. 248.887.1037. It is just east off of US-23 about 3 miles or less. Incredible choice of lumber in all sizes up to 12/4. Not only cherry, but honduran mahogany, cypress, oaks, maples, jatoba, walnut, etc, etc. They also have an interesting selection of real exotics in smaller pieces. They are happy to let you sort through the wood yourself as long as you restack it. They will also do some cuts and run it though the jointer to partially flatten one face.
Edited 8/29/2007 10:37 pm ET by dherzig
Doug
I second, and third and fourth, Herzig's suggestion of Arstrong Lumber. They have an amazing collection that is easy to peruse. Just walk into the rear portion of the building and sort through thr racks. Just don't place any lumber on the floor. (This is for your protection as well - not gritty wood.) The red barn holds big stuff - 12/4 mahogany etc.
Suggestions: Saturdays are busy and they close for the noon hour.
They do NOT take credit cards - bring a blank check.
They will "chop" long boards to fit in your vehicle for free. This does not mean they will cut to precise lengths - 48.75" etc.
Frosty
"I sometimes think we consider the good fortune of the early bird and overlook the bad fortune of the early worm." FDR - 1922
For sheet goods you may want to check out Pontiac Plywood at Baldwin and Walton in Pontiac.
I would third the suggestion for Armstrong Millworks...my brother goes there all the time and since I 've gotten into woodworking, he has dragged me there a couple times when I've been visiting ...they've been in business since I was a kid growing up in that area fifty years ago...the people there are helpful and friendly
Neil
Ditto Armstrong. If you have to go by Detroit, Public Lumber at I-75 & 7 Mile Rd also has a good selection, though not as nice as Armstrongs and it's a dingier outfit. But when Armstrong is out of something or doesn't carry it, I can usually find it at Public. Somebody mentioned Pontiac Plywood which I'd also 2nd for being a good place for sheet stuff as well as Drayton Plywood.
If you build it he will come.
I like Armstrong’s myself, but, if you have the time, L. L. Johnsons in Charlotte is great and lower in cost. They have a huge selection and the sawmill is right there and a lot of tools. They are having their big show and sale next weekend, usually a lot of good deals.
http://www.theworkbench.com/
I second Pontiac Plywood, great family owned business and always helpful.
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